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Lord Edward's Port City

(Edward POV) A few days later, night…

I felt the night wear on me like a hard ride. It was late and I had been going over my maps all day – much to Bella's and Belle's displeasure. I smiled. The sweet, little girl I knew had grown up into her mother. I could barely tell them apart as they yelled at me.

I pulled a light shirt over my head and collapsed in my bed. Bella soon joined me. She had been smiling brightly all day. Her and Belle were able to get some time alone and all her emotion spilled out. I had caught them crying in each other's arms.

I pulled her against me, "Are you happy, dear wife?"

"More than you can imagine," she smiled, "I'm so proud of Belle. She has grown up to be so strong and intelligent, despite all Leo has done."

I nodded, "I am very proud of her. Carlisle is even in shock. He was jesting that his replacement had arrived."

She laughed, "She is very adept at the healing arts. She helped a young boy with a broken arm earlier today."

"William told me. That was his grandson she healed."

"Really? I did not know Dominic was married."

"Neither did I. I must discuss that with him. After all, in some cities, you need permission from the Lord to marry."

She looked at me, "Be nice to him! Don't start spouting lies."

I laughed, "I suppose I won't. I am curious as to how he hid a woman and son from me for so long."

A knock came to the door. We looked up to see Belle creep in.

"Belle?" Bella asked, "What is the matter?"

She looked down, "I…cannot seem to fall asleep…I guess I'm feeling a little lonely…"

I smiled, "Perhaps then, you should stay with us for the night – that is, if you do not believe you are too old to."

She laughed a little and slipped into the bed between myself and Bella. She wrapped her arms around her mother while I moved my arms around them both. It was nice to know they would both be safe for the night.


King Leo's Flag City

(Masen POV)

I hurriedly helped Tybalt, Brandon, and Rosie through the hole. We had to get into the city and blend in. Earlier, Leo had announced the crimes of treason and started arresting people who so much as looked at him the wrong way. I feared for our safety and rounded all of us up. A riot had started and fires were springing up all over the city. The stable hands had released the horses from the stables all over the city and castle, so, on top of everything, there were frightened horses running over panicked people.

Once we were out, Tybalt and I lead the way to John's home. We had to get there quickly. The city looked like it was in flames with terror ruling the streets. John's home was relatively untouched when we were ushered in.

"The King has gone mad," his father said, helping his wife pack some goods, "We need to leave."

Brandon looked out of the front window, "All this confusion. We should be able to get out. Just a rush through the gate, maybe..."

"We can make it," John said, "I'll run and get the others. Tell them to ride."

"Be careful," his mother said worriedly.

"I will mother. Don't worry"

When the door closed behind him, I turned, "We need to make for Mardoc, the military encampment Leo used. Father is massing there."

John's father nodded, "All right. You three go and get yourself out of here. I'll round up everyone from the city on your side."

"Where can we find you?"

"Just ride. We'll find you."

We ran out of the house and weaved our way through the city, trying to avoid the destruction and panic. Guards were still at the gate, with orders to kill anyone who tries to escape.

"We'll never get out!" Rosie cried.

"Easy," Brandon said, "there's always a way."

I growled in frustration. I wanted to have faith in Brandon's optimism but I just couldn't. Suddenly, a bump hit my arm. I looked and nearly fell down, "Blane!"

The horse whinnied happily and bobbed his head. A couple other horses, who were wandering around, responded to his call and trotted over.

"A full rush," I repeated, "Hurry. Get on a horse. Rosie, get behind Brandon."

They obeyed and I climbed onto Blane. It was difficult though. All the horses were bare and without saddles. It would be hard to stay on.

"All right. One. Two…Three!"

Blane burst forward like a shot arrow and lead the others through the gate. Our horses trampled over the guards and travelled fast enough for the archers to miss. The gate tried to come down on us, but we outran it and continued into the dark night.

When the red sun rose the next morning, it's light added to the copper flow that stained the cobblestone streets.


Lord Edward's Port City

(Belle POV) Morning…

I woke up to mother stroking my hair. The feeling made me smile and I looked up, "Good morning mother."

"Good morning Belle," she said softly, "Did you have a better rest?"

"I did. I guess I missed you...Even if it was a little childish for me to come here."

She laughed and hugged me, "You're not too old to sleep with me and your father. After all, you and your brother wouldn't leave his side when you were younger."

"That's because he was hurt and we wanted to make sure he didn't run off again."

"Ah, dear. It's his way Belle. A knight is always what your father has been meant to be. It's in his nature to sacrifice his well-being for the good of others – however much we wish otherwise."

"Well, it's all Leo's fault. If he had any sanity, he would've let father be. We were happy…"

She hugged me, "Do not dwell on such matters. I do not believe that God would wish Leo to continue or for Edward to fail. Things will turn out as they are meant to."

"How can you stay so calm, mother? You have such strength."

Her look took on the pattern of a knowing woman. I had seen such looks in the faces of Leo's mistresses and the elder women of the castle. It always tied in with a secret known only to them, yet, at the same time, to all women, "I am the wife of a knight and lord, a mother to a healer and a future knight, and the Lady of a city, Belle. I've learned to let out my emotions subtly and to be strong when I have to." She brushed my bangs from my eyes and smiled, "It is the way of mothers."

I was in awe of how strong she was but our talk was cut short when I felt a shudder against my back. I looked to see father. He had rolled over in the night and now had his back to us. He was shaking and his breathing was uneven.

I looked at mother and saw her concerned look. Hesitantly, I reached out to touch his shoulder, "Father?"

He spun and the light flashed off something silver in his hand.

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